What happens when you force-feed a Golf GTI some spice?
2023 Cupra Leon VZ
Grind two-thirds Golf GTI and a half a cup of pimientos into your mortar and pestle to create one 2023 Cupra Leon VZ.
That’s pretty much what’s happened here. Cupra is a relatively new offshoot brand of Spanish car marque Seat that’s owned by Volkswagen.
The thinking back in 2018 by Volkswagen Group was that it could snap off Cupra – historically responsible for building fast Seat cars – and turn it into an independent and stand-alone spice factory for interesting vehicles.
Finally, in 2023, the Cupra brand has boots on the ground in Australia and has promised us four models in its initial line-up. Arranged by size, they include: Born (EV hatch), Leon (hatch), and the Formentor and Ateca (medium SUVs).
This review relates to the 2023 Cupra Leon small hatchback, so let’s see where our Leon VZ model sits in the range and what it has to offer.
How much does the Cupra Leon cost in Australia?
The 2023 Cupra Leon small hatchback range features four models arranged by power and torque: Leon V, Leon VZ, Leon VZe and Leon VZx.
All four pretty much have the same specification and options packages, meaning the biggest reason to step through the range is for either more performance or electrification.
The entry-level model Cupra Leon V hasn’t arrived in Australia just yet, but is priced from $43,990 before on-roads, or likely $48,000 drive-away. It features a 2.0-litre engine with 140kW/320Nm and is expected to arrive early in 2023.
The other three variants that have arrived feature drive-away pricing, like our test car, the 2023 Cupra Leon VZ. It’s the second model in the range and packs the same 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and seven-speed DSG as the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
It’ll set you back $57,490 drive-away in base form and in one of four different grey colours. Options include a choice of two premium paints at $475 (Desire Red and Graphene Grey), an electric sunroof ($1800), and the Leather and Sound Package ($2450).
While the first two are self-explanatory, the third option choice introduces fantastic sports seats with heating and memory, copper stitching on the dashboard, and a Beats Audio nine-speaker stereo with subwoofer and dedicated amplifier.
Our 2023 Cupra Leon VZ test car was loaded with all three options and therefore costs $62,215 drive-away in any state in Australia.
Next up are the Cupra VZe and VZx models. The first is a plug-in hybrid version that features a 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder and electric motor across the front axle to serve up 180kW/400Nm and a claimed electric-only range of 67km.
The second Cupra VZx model is a peppered-up version of our Cupra Leon VZ. It features no form of hybridisation, but rather the 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo pilfered from the international-only 2022 Golf GTI Clubsport.
Those models start from $62,990 and $64,990 drive-away respectively. Note that the Cupra VZe’s price varies by thousands of dollars depending on where you live due to state-based electric vehicle subsidies.
| Key details | 2023 Cupra Leon VZ |
| Price | $57,490 drive-away |
| Colour of test car | Desire Red |
| Options | Leather and Sound Package – $2450 – Heated leather sports seats with electric adjustment – Beats Audio nine-speaker stereo – Copper stitching on dashboard Sunroof – $1800 Premium paint – $475 |
| Price as tested | $62,215 drive-away |
| Rivals | Volkswagen Golf GTI | Hyundai i30 N | Ford Focus ST |
How much space does the Cupra Leon have inside?
There’s plenty of room to move in the first row. Our test car was fitted with the optional sports leather seats that are simply must-haves.
On top of looking great, they also offer excellent adjustable lumbar and deep thigh support. Testing saw me cover around 275km in the vehicle in one day, with 75km of that around inner-city and suburban areas, and 200km out on the freeway and then later on country roads.
I still felt great after some longer stints behind the wheel, and after getting in and out of it more than 10 times in one day.
However, on the inside, storage is great. The cupholders are well proportioned, slim cubbies aside the gear lever are smart for your key and sunglasses, and a centre console pit is ideal for your smartphone going in both lengthways and longways.
The door pockets are good, too, with large squared-off openings great for a large water bottle. The overall perceived quality of the cabin is high, and that’s before you get the subjective nature of how it looks.
Every tight junction is nicely finished, the materials all look and smell nice, and the cabin is rattle-free and quiet. I personally like the interplay of textural and other bolder bronze elements alongside some smart minimalism and quality design.
Where the exposed-weave vinyl material on the steering wheel looks technical, busy and detailed, the minimal ambient lighting system is also smart enough to double as your blind-spot safety aid. Warnings from the blind-spot monitor system will flash at you via the uber-thin strip of ambient lighting, instead of, say, on the wing mirror or in the glass of the wing mirror.
It’s a clever touch and something I’d expect to see in an Audi – leader of smart vehicular design in a way that’s very Germanic and minimal.
Either way, the cabin is full of unique and cool features, but also some faux pas. The climate controls on the dashboard are not illuminated, which makes using them in the dark annoying. I’m sure you’ll be able to use them fluently with time, but it’s a simple problem that should have been solved by some five-cent LEDs.
Over in the second row, the space is good for a small hatchback. The Cupra Leon has a 50mm longer wheelbase than the Volkswagen Golf, which no doubt helps the space in the second row.
It feels generous, with my 183cm frame able to get comfortable behind my own driving position. Things in the back include two USB-C ports, temperature controls for a third-zone of climate control, a pair of air vents, and some cupholders in the fold-down armrest.
Boot space is 380L, or about the size of a Volkswagen Golf GTI. It’s more deep than it is long, though, so loading heavier things can be challenging. You’ll fit a compact stroller well, a bassinet and pram okay, and easily two large suitcases with room for some backpacks.
| 2023 Cupra Leon VZ | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 380L seats up |
| Length | 4398mm |
| Width | 1799mm |
| Height | 1442mm |
| Wheelbase | 2683mm |
Does the Cupra Leon have Apple CarPlay?
The 2023 Cupra Leon VZ features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
There are no physical shortcut buttons nor climate controls here either, so it’s worth taking some time to learn the complex software interface while stationary before you start driving. Once you get the hang of what tapping where does, you’ll navigate it easy enough.
The lack of physical fan speed switch is irritating, however, and something I hope they introduce at some point. As our car was fitted with the Luxury and Sound Package option, it features a Beats Audio nine-speaker stereo with subwoofer and dedicated amplifier.
Its multiple EQ settings offer everything from spacious surround to a more intimate ‘stereo’ mode, with the latter my personal preference. Karnivool’s album Themata sounded big and full, and The Chats’ classic High Risk Behaviour as in-your-face and as electric as needed.
I haven’t listened to the standard-fit system yet, but considering you get the seats in the same package, it’s a no-brainer (for me personally).
Is the Cupra Leon a safe car?
The 2023 Cupra Leon range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
Scored under 2020’s testing criteria, it scored well for adult occupant protection (91 per cent) and child occupant protection (88 per cent). Safety assists are good, too, at 80 per cent, but it is noted that the Cupra Leon range does not feature any form of reverse autonomous emergency braking.
| 2023 Cupra Leon VZ | |
| ANCAP rating | Five stars (tested 2020) |
| Safety report | Link to ANCAP report |
What safety technology does the Cupra Leon have?
Aside from not featuring reverse autonomous emergency braking, you get forward autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors on both ends as standard.
We did notice the rain-sensing wipers were inconsistent during on-and-off spouts of light to heavy rain; however, the automatic high-beam system with all-weather mode proved to be very helpful.
It manages its high beams during chaotic weather events really well, as we got caught in an utterly biblical session of rain that slowed progress on a 110km/h zone to zero for some (but not us).
How much does the Cupra Leon cost to maintain?
Customers who order before 31 December 2022 will receive a complimentary three-year service package. If you want to extend the servicing to five years, the brand will ask you for $1400. It’s another compelling reason to purchase one before the year is out.
A comprehensive insurance quite came in at $1438 annually, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2023 Cupra Leon VZ |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | Complimentary (3 years) $1400 (5 years) |
Is the Cupra Leon fuel-efficient?
Over the duration of a one-day launch drive, we achieved a fuel-efficiency figure of 7.2L/100km.
The official combined claim is 6.7L/100km, but I can see this figure rising if you spend plenty of time in traffic, or a deadly combo of that plus a short commute.
We look forward to getting a Cupra Leon in for a longer-duration loan in the future to conduct more thorough testing.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.7L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 7.2L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 50L |
What is the Cupra Leon like to drive?
It’s really good when a car’s looks and first impressions are thoroughly supported by the way it drives.
The Cupra Leon VZ we’re testing is a hot hatch made from the same good parts that create the Golf GTI – albeit tuned with more edge.
By that, I mean the exhaust is incredibly bass-laden and almost annoying at 110km/h, the suspension is really buttoned down, and you can genuinely feel the grain of the road depending on the surface.
It feels always on, and some will absolutely love it for that, so don’t be fooled by comfort mode. The powertrain is excellent in terms of performance, and further reinforces why they should only be used in higher torque and power applications.
The dual-clutch automatic no longer hesitates or lurches like yesteryear, and remained a treat during our busy testing schedule. Our route for this one-day loan saw us commute through Sydney’s gridlocked CBD and around its immediate surroundings, then right out into the Southern Highlands district of New South Wales.
During our evening commute at 9pm, my wife and I got caught up in the most heinous of downpours. It brought many older vehicles to a stop on the shoulder; however, the Leon remained composed and totally against aquaplaning.
Despite the rubberband tyres and stiff suspension, it remained nicely composed and trustworthy, and possibly more than my first assumptions would have suggested.
The steering is quite light and fast, too, which combined with the firm suspension creates a sense of light-footedness. It feels agile and eager, spicy as some would say, just like the packaging suggests.
Through a nice set of bends at pace it feels joyous, too, with that seemingly ‘light’ front end and ample grip inspiring you to go a bit faster next time. I liken that sensation it offers to a Hyundai i30 N, in that it has verve, persona, character, and something that’s not complacent like a Golf GTI.
| Key details | 2023 Cupra Leon VZ |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 180kW @ 5000–6500rpm |
| Torque | 370Nm @ 1600–4300rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power to weight ratio | 120kW/t |
| Weight (tare) | 1496kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Tow rating | 1600kg braked 720kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 10.9m |
Should I buy a Cupra Leon VZ?
Even though the Cupra Leon VZ is made from the same parts as a Golf GTI, it not the same experience at all. And muchachos, I think I like it.
There are multiple reasons to consider one. It feels always on, and will suit those who like their cars brattish. The bold styling is another reason to embrace Cupra, as there’s visual intrigue in both material selection and design – especially from the rear three-quarter view.
Of course some will always prefer to spend to $3000 more and buy the one with tartan seats. I’m more looking forward to driving Cupra’s products in the future, however.
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